Surat: History-sheeter Sagar Sonawane alias Maniyo Dukkar, along with three unidentified associates, allegedly threatened a property dealer and his workers, assaulted him and demanded Rs 15 lakh to allow construction work to continue at a plot in Limbayat.According to the complaint, the incident took place on August 18 at plots 45 and 46 in Dwarkeshnagar Society, where the complainant had begun construction of flats. The work had been entrusted to contractors Surya Tiwari and Mihir Goswami.Complainant Rajesh Chaurasiya told police that around 11am, Tiwari called him and said four men had arrived at the construction site, abused the workers and threatened to kill them if the owner was not called.Chaurasiya then reached the site along with a local property broker. Around 12.30pm, the four men returned. Chaurasiya recognised one of them as Sonawane alias Maniyo Dukkar, who frequently visited Limbayat.Sonawane allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh, saying construction could continue only after the amount was paid. When Chaurasiya refused, the accused allegedly abused him, while his three associates assaulted him.Chaurasiya further alleged that Sonawane pulled out a knife and threatened to kill him if he did not pay. Fearing for his life, Chaurasiya handed over the Rs 10,000 he had with him.The accused allegedly told him to keep the remaining amount ready and gave him a mobile number for making the subsequent payment. The four men then allegedly fled the spot on a motorcycle and a moped.Chaurasiya said he initially refrained from approaching the police out of fear that the accused and their associates would harass the labourers and contractors and disrupt the construction work. He later discussed the matter with his contractor and family before submitting a written application to the police.He approached the police again after learning through social media that Sonawane had been arrested in connection with the murder of BJP leader Jay Dalal. He subsequently lodged a complaint against Sonawane and the three unidentified men.Limbayat police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the alleged extortion, assault and threats.Police said Sonawane has more than 14 serious offences, including murder, registered against him. He has also been externed from Surat in the past and detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA).
